Freeing Lost Souls (The Family Tree Series Book 1) Read online

  “Wilks? Any relation?” Dad points to the drawing.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too. He is handsome,” my mom says, embarrassing me.

  “Mom! Yes to your question, Dad,” I exclaim as I roll my eyes and smile at my mom.

  “Why doesn’t everyone have a seat, and we can catch up. Sorry it’s so small.” I pull the two chairs over from the dining area.

  Bruce hands me the flowers, gives me a kiss on the cheek, and takes the chairs from me. I put the flowers in a vase and join everyone.

  “So, Bruce, what do you do for a living?” Oh boy, here we go with the twenty questions from my dad.

  “I work with the Historical Society part-time doing guided car tours. The rest of the time I help my friend Benny with his construction business,” Bruce explains.

  “How long have you lived in Gettysburg?”

  “Born and raised. Most of my family has lived here for as long as they kept records. I had quite a few family members in the war, mostly on the Union side.”

  “Where do you live now?” God, this is so embarrassing.

  “Dad,” I cry.

  “What? I’m just making conversation,” he explains.

  I roll my eyes. “He lives down the hall, Dad.”

  Bruce chuckles. “It’s fine, Sarah. You’re his little girl. He should know who you’re dating. I live in loft C, for now. Benny and his crew are working on a house I have on one of my properties. They are making sure it is up to code with the historical landmark status. Once they are done, I’ll move back into the family home. But we just found a great spot that wouldn’t fall under the landmark status, where I’m going to build a more modern house. Modern meaning everything up to date, not those modern looking houses.”

  “Well, it sounds like you are a very stable person. Do you have family in the area?”

  “No, sir, I’m the last in the line of Wilks. My parents died in a car accident a few years ago. I have no siblings. So, unless I have children, the line ends with me, I’m afraid.” I grab his hand and squeeze it. He looks over at me and smiles.

  “Is anyone hungry? I don’t have enough food for everyone here, but we could all go out to eat,” I suggest.

  “You don’t have to do that, hon. We showed up without asking. If you had other plans, we don’t want to interrupt,” Mom says.

  “We didn’t have anything planned, did we?” I turn to Bruce. He did bring flowers. The last time he did that was on our first date.

  “Nope, we can go out to eat, if you’d like. We can all get to know each other better.” He smiles and lifts my hand to his lips to kiss.

  We all talk and have a good time over dinner. Dad and Bruce talk about everything having to do with Gettysburg and the Civil War. I think he’s impressed that Bruce knows what he’s talking about. Bruce even offered to take us all on a tour.

  Mom leans over so only I can hear her. “He seems like a very nice young man. He seems to really like you. How do you feel about him?”

  “I think I love him, Mom. I feel so different here, and when I’m with him it’s like a puzzle piece has been put into place. It’s hard to explain.”

  “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Your Dad clearly likes him. I mean, he hasn’t stopped talking since we got here.” We both laugh and look at our men. Bruce looks over at me and smiles.

  “I guess so, and neither has Bruce. It’s nice. I like him a lot, and Mom, I think I could live here long term. No place has ever felt like home until now.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you. You deserve to be happy, and it looks as if Bruce may be your ‘happily ever after’!”

  “I hope so. I’m tired of waiting.” She leans over and hugs me.

  “So where are you staying?” I question.

  “Well, we don’t know yet. We were going to stop by and say hi then get a room. Do you have any suggestions?”

  “I’ll get you a room at the Doubleday. You’ll love it.” Bruce gets up and heads outside to make the phone call.

  “I think you have found yourself a keeper, Sarah,” Dad says.

  “You guys really like him?”

  “Yes, we absolutely do. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and he knows his history.” We laugh.

  “That he does. Hell, even I’ve learned a lot since living here!”

  “How do you feel about him, Sarah? It’s you who must like him, not us,” Dad asks sincerely.

  “I love him, Dad. I think he may be the one.”

  “Good. That’s what every parent wants to hear. We are happy for each of you,” he explains as Bruce comes back and joins us.

  “I got you a room with a view.” He smiles.

  “That’s great. Thank you so much, Bruce, that was really thoughtful of you,” Mom gushes.

  “It’s my pleasure. If you would like, we can drive you over. It is easy to get lost at night. Sarah, you want to ride with your mom, and I’ll go with your dad? I’ll point a few things out to him as we go.” I guess Bruce likes Dad, too.

  “Sure, come on, Mom. I’ll point out all the cool shops on the way.” Dad insists on paying the bill as we walk out. Bruce resists but finally lets it go.

  We all find the cars and drive to the Doubleday where Mom and Dad will stay for a few days. I’ve passed this place a few times and thought it looked like a nice place to stay. I’m glad Bruce thought of this place. I know my parents will love it.

  We see that my parents are settled in and plan to meet for lunch the next day, after which Bruce will take us on our driving tour. Once we agree on our plan, we say our good nights.

  As we reach Bruce’s truck, he stops me, backs me up against the side of the truck, and kisses me. We pull away, breathless. “What was that for?”

  “I missed you this afternoon. You were sleeping when I came over to check on you. I so wanted to crawl in and watch you sleep, but I needed to get a few things done.”

  I put my hands around his neck. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For letting me sleep and liking my parents.” I smile.

  “What’s not to like? You are just like them. How could I not like them?” He kisses me again. “Should we go home?”

  “Sure,” I say as I hop in. We wander home, and I feel as if everything in my life has aligned with the moon and stars.

  Chapter 23

  Bruce and I slept really well last night, waking up around nine to his phone ringing. He reaches over to his nightstand and picks it up. “Hello?” he says in a sexy sleepy voice.

  “Yes,” he answers as he sits up and rubs the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, she’s right here. Let me put you on speaker phone. All right, go ahead.”

  “Good morning, Sarah,” Daniel says through the phone.

  “Morning,” I say as I stretch.

  “Well, I talked to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where Edward is buried, the city, and the Historical Society about where we can bury Elizabeth,” he explains.

  “Oh, what did they say?” I’m awake now.

  “Well, they said they will need written consent from both families, stating that they support the situation.”

  “Fine, so where can Sarah and I go to fill out the paperwork? We are both family to both of them.”

  “Well, there is a small issue,” Daniel explains. “Since Sarah is not the only surviving member of Elizabeth’s family, we need at least three signatures.”

  “Seems as if they are going overboard with all of this. How many family members are there?” I challenge.

  “Well, just you, your father, and his siblings,” Daniel explains.

  “Fine, that’s not a problem, my dad happens to be in Gettysburg now. We can call him and meet you where the form is and get it all taken care of this morning,” I suggest as I get up. “Did the coroner confirm that the remains are Elizabeth?”

  “That was the other thing I was calling about. Yes, it is her. I called and checked on that this morning,” he adds.

 
“Good, so the sooner we get this taken care of, the faster we can be done with this,” I exclaim.

  “Daniel, has Teresa gotten anything from Elizabeth since we moved her?” Bruce asks.

  “She has but only when we went to the morgue. At least we know that her spirit has stayed with her remains.”

  “Good, we will get Randy and meet you at the Historical Society to get the paperwork rolling.”

  “Actually, would you mind meeting me before you get your father for the paperwork? I have a few things I need to get done. Once you complete the forms, you can take them over to the city and file them,” Daniel suggests.

  “That will be fine. We will see you in a half hour,” Bruce answers.

  “You would think it would be easy to get Edward and Elizabeth buried together. Seems crazy that we now have to drag my dad into this.”

  “Don’t worry. Let’s see if your parents are willing to meet earlier.” He kisses the top of my head and goes to shower and dress.

  I call my dad and explain that Bruce and I will meet them in their room at the inn in an hour to talk. I didn’t tell him what’s going on. Thought it would be easier to explain in person.

  We pick up the papers from Daniel and meet my parents. Dad opens the door, and I hug him and Mom as we walk in and take a seat.

  “So what’s wrong? You sounded a bit distressed on the phone,” Dad asks. “Did something happen?”

  “No, well, sort of,” I start. “You know the drawing you asked about last night?”

  “Yes, Wilks?”

  “That’s him, all right. So there’s a story behind him. He’s Bruce’s relative. I ran into Edward Wilks, in a way, at the Wheatfield the second day I was here. That was the same day that Bruce and I met, in the same place.” I look over at Bruce, and he nods, letting me know to go on. “He was engaged to Elizabeth Finny.” I wait for that to register.

  “She’s our family?” he asks.

  “You got it,” I say.

  He shakes his head. “So maybe not so much of a coincidence that the two of you met then.”

  “We think we would have met anyway, but we assume that’s what happened, yes.”

  “Huh,” Dad says. “So what do you need from us?”

  “Well, that is the hard part of the story.” I push ahead to explain that we found Elizabeth’s remains and what we want to do. “We need your help to get her buried with Edward.”

  “What do you need?” Dad asks.

  “We need three signatures from surviving family members, blood relatives.” I look at Mom and smile. “Sorry, Mom.”

  “Don’t worry about it, sweetie.” She smiles back.

  “So myself, you, and Bruce make three, right?” he asks.

  “Would you mind signing the paperwork that we have here? Elizabeth’s identity has been confirmed, and her body has been released, and it would be nice to be finished with this so Edward and Elizabeth can both move on,” I explain.

  “Hand the paperwork here so I can read and sign it,” Dad announces.

  “Thanks, Dad. Looks like you coming when you did was a good thing after all.”

  “Glad I can help,” he adds.

  “When we have completed the paperwork, we can start the tour if you would like, after breakfast of course.”

  “That sounds great,” Dad says.

  Only thing left to do is plan a funeral. Bruce and I will deal with that in the morning. Today, we plan to have a good time with my parents.

  * * *

  During our driving tour, I get to see Bruce in his element. He has given me tours before, but this is someone new. He loves talking about all things Gettysburg. Dad tries to stump him, but Bruce knows his stuff. I think he may know even more than my dad does. We stop frequently and get out to walk a bit. Mom and I go one way while the guys go a different direction. This is their thing. Mom and I like looking at the flowers and just catching up on life.

  “So, what are your plans when this job is over?” she asks.

  “Well, the Historical Society has offered me another job, and I think I’ll take it. I didn’t have anything else lined up, so it makes sense. I should also tell you that Bruce and I have been talking about moving in together. We’re practically roommates now, and our living together would free up the Historical Society from having to pay for my room. Do you think we are moving too fast?”

  “You are a big girl, Sarah. You need to go where your heart tells you. I can tell that you and Bruce love each other. Besides, you’ve been around each other for almost a full year now. Why not?” She shrugs.

  “I do love him, Mom. And I love it here. I’m just worried, that’s all.”

  “Worried about what?”

  “We have both had hard breakups in the past. He was going to propose to someone, but she was cheating on him and broke up with him the night he was to propose. And you know everything that happened between Ned and me. What if all that happens again?”

  “Look, life and relationships are not easy. Trust me. But from the little time I’ve spent with the two of you, I can tell you both care a great deal for each other. Forget about your past. You both should. It was a long time ago, and it is beyond time to move on.” She does give good advice, and my heart has been telling me the same thing for a while now. Time to move on and see what happens. I think I’m ready for that.

  We are at the Wheatfield where Bruce and I met. Bruce and Dad are off in the distance chatting, so Mom and I find a bench in the shade. I can’t hear what the guys are talking about, but before they wander back to us, I see them shake hands and pat each other on the back. I wonder what they are up to.

  “I think we should call it a day. We have seen a lot of what I wanted to. Your mom and I go home tomorrow night, so let’s meet up again tomorrow before we leave,” Dad suggests.

  We hop into the car, and Bruce and I drop my parents off at their inn. “We will see you guys tomorrow at lunch. Love you guys.” Bruce pulls away and heads toward home.

  Once we are back at the lofts, we stop by Sally’s to pick Buc up before heading over to Bruce’s. Buc goes to his spot and lies down. Bruce goes into the kitchen, collects two water bottles, and comes to sit next to me on the couch.

  “Thank you,” I say as he hands me the bottle. “I’m glad we were able to get all the paperwork done this morning. It feels as if one weight has been lifted off our shoulders. Do you think the funeral stuff will take long to set up?”

  “It shouldn’t take that long. I called the funeral home the other day to get the ball rolling. We should be able to finish everything and have Edward and Elizabeth together the day after tomorrow.”

  “Really, that fast?”

  “Yup, that fast.” He smiles and leans over to kiss me. “Have you thought any more about the job offer from the Historical Society?”

  “I have, and I’m going to take it. I like it here.”

  “What about moving in with me?”

  “I’ve been thinking about it.”

  “And?”

  “Are you sure you want dog hair and art supplies everywhere? I’m a pain in the ass when I’m working. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

  Bruce chuckles. “I’ve been around you enough this past year to know you. You are not as bad as you think and I love watching you work,” he adds as he starts to massage my neck.

  I moan. “That feels so good.”

  “So when do you want to begin moving things in?”

  I giggle. “You waste no time, do you?”

  “I don’t want you to change your mind on me!” He chuckles.

  “I don’t think I’ll change my mind. I love you, Bruce.” I turn in my seat to face him before I kiss him.

  “I love you too, Sarah,” he says between kisses.

  Chapter 24

  After breakfast, we go to the funeral home where Elizabeth has been moved. We pick out a decent coffin, something similar to what Edward would have been buried in and set the date and time, and arranged for someone to officiat
e. Since Bruce and I are the only family who will be here, we’ll witness the service.

  I know that I should be happy that this will all be over soon, but I have a feeling of melancholy. Funerals are sad occasions. Maybe that is what it is.

  * * *

  We meet my parents one last time before they leave for California. Their flight departs at five, so we have lunch before they have to return the rental car.

  After lunch, we exchange our goodbyes. “Bruce, you take care of our little girl. You are a nice young man, and you seem to make her happy. That’s all that matters to her father and me,” my mom says as she gives him a hug.

  “I’ll do the best I can, DiAnne,” he tells her. “It was really nice getting to know you. Have a safe trip back home.”

  “If you hurt her, you’ll have to answer to me. You got it?” My dad smiles as he shakes Bruce’s hand and pulls him in for a half hug.

  Mom and I hug. I’m in tears, of course. It’s always so hard to say goodbye to anyone, but especially to my parents. “I love you, Mom. Thank you for surprising me. We will talk soon.”

  “Maybe call once a week, instead of every few months,” she suggests.

  “I’ll try. You know I hate the phone,” I remind her.

  “Well, then email or get on Facebook with me.” She giggles as she moves out of the way to let my dad say his goodbyes.

  “You know you make us proud. You have done some really nice work here for the Historical Society. I look forward to our next trip to see even more of your work up on those walls. Take care of yourself and Bruce.” He winks and gives me a hug. “I love you, kiddo.”

  “I love you too, Daddy.” I pull away from my parents and walk into Bruce’s waiting arms. Maybe that is why I never stayed anywhere long enough to get attached to anyone. I think since meeting my friends and Bruce, leaving here would kill me.

  We wave to my parents as they drive off, and Bruce hugs me tighter.

  “I hate goodbyes,” I whisper as my voice quivers from crying.

  “I do, too. Let’s go for a drive,” he suggests.